The once thrillingly mocking Beggar’s Opera, a satirical ballad opera written by poet and dramatist John Gay in 1728, may not be as antiquated these days as you’d think. Lampooning corrupt politicians, highway robbers and dastardly ex-marital affairs, the opera scandalised polite society with its gritty storyline. A fresh reworking of the celebrated tale comes to Northern Stage from Tuesday 20th until Saturday 24th October; Dead Dog In A Suitcase (And Other Love Songs) is filled with corruption, urban myths and twisted morality. Presented by the critically acclaimed Kneehigh theatre company, the tale is given fresh bite thanks to Carl Grose’s absorbing story. “If John Gay’s was highwaymen, prostitutes and street thieves, ours is about the mythic underbelly of NOW.” He comments. “Corporate conspiracy, hit men, warped Robin Hood-types, the end of civilisation, dead dogs in suitcases – all combined to create a portrait of a world hanging by a thread, in turns shocking, hilarious, heartfelt and absurd.”

With a brand new score by conductor Charles Hazlewood, wondrous sets and puppets to boot, Kneehigh’s radical and witty reworking is certain to thrill just as much as the original Beggar’s Opera.